A library would be a wonderful thing for the town and for her students, Elizabeth thought as she got ready for church that morning. She knew that she could call her father and he would donate the money for the building and purchase everything brand new. It would look like one of the bookstores or libraries she had been to in Hamilton. That isn't what she wanted. There was a reason she had come back to Hope Valley after Jack died. She loved this town and more importantly she loved the person she had become in living in this town all these years.

She was trying to think of a way to get the town involved in bringing a library to Hope Valley. Maybe she could get the children involved. She decided to make time during school tomorrow to ask for ideas. If the children would excited, then the parents would be and that would make it easier for the whole town to be involved.

Elizabeth when in to get Jack ready for church once she was ready for the day. Elizabeth had chosen a white top with a light blue skirt. Perhaps she could find something blue for Jack to wear today as well. Jack was already awake when she went into the room. "Hello my sweet boy. Are you ready for the day?"

Jack giggled back at her. She went to the dresser to find a blue shirt in a similar shade to her skirt. When she tried it on him though, she realized it was a little too small. Elizabeth started to get tears in her eyes. Her little boy was growing up. When had this happened? It seemed like just yesterday she was pregnant with him. Elizabeth looked over and saw a picture of Jack in his Mountie uniform that she had placed next to the rocker. She would look at it whenever she tried to put her son to sleep. "I wish you were here to see our boy grow up Jack. I'm not sure about doing this alone. Our little boy should have his father," Elizabeth said to herself. She tried to compose herself knowing she would have to leave soon. She found a bigger shirt for Jack and after he was dressed, she walked down the stairs.

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Elizabeth was running late for church that morning. Rosemary had knocked on her door earlier but Elizabeth told her and Lee to go ahead and she would be leaving soon. Rosemary could see that she had been crying so she hugged her friend and told her it was ok. Elizabeth usually went a little early with them so they could visit with friends before church but there would not be time for that today. Elizabeth decided against taking the buggy and was carrying Jack instead. He was getting a little heavy but she didn't want to take the extra time to get it ready.

Elizabeth started walking down the path, moving Jack from one hip to the other. Immediately she regretted not bringing the buggy with her. She was also carrying a basket with her and it was hard to balance the wiggly infant and the basket in her arms. As she walked a little further, she saw Nathan and Allie walk out of their house.

"Hi Mrs. Thornton!"

"Hello Allie. How are you today?" Elizabeth was so glad that Allie was starting to open up around her and a couple of the students. She was still quiet around most of them, but Elizabeth thought she just needed more time.

"I'm great! I had a sleepover with Opal last night."

"I heard. That's wonderful Allie," Elizabeth said looking over and smiling at Nathan. She moved Jack to her other hip as she did. "Hi Nathan."

"Hi Elizabeth. Hi there Jack." The little boy giggled towards Nathan, happy to see the Mountie. Nathan was dressed in his serge today for church. Elizabeth suspected that he was going on rounds after as Jack used to do that too.

"He likes you. He doesn't smile like that for everyone you know." Elizabeth kept moving with Jack as they stood there. She looked down at her son, "You are going to be too big for mama to carry you anymore." looking back at Nathan she continued, "I realized this morning that he had gotten too big for some of his clothes."

"I remembered when Allie started to grow out of her clothes when she started to live with me. I wanted to cry at the thought of her growing up and all the things I didn't know about raising a child." Elizabeth looked at Nathan as he spoke. She was amazed at how he understood exactly how she felt this morning. They were both single parents.

"Elizabeth, would you like me to carry Jack over to the church?"

"Are you sure?"

"I think I can handle it, I am a Mountie," he said winking at her. Elizabeth was surprised at the feeling she had when Nathan looked at her like that, but she dismissed it immediately.

"That would be great thank you," Elizabeth said, handing Jack over to Nathan.

Jack settled in comfortably next to Nathan's shoulder, playing with the buttons on his serge. Nathan held him with ease smiling at the little boy and talking to him. He started walking with Elizabeth with Allie running ahead of them.

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Nathan handed Jack back to Elizabeth as soon as they got to the church. Jack was asleep by the time they got there and they were able to easily transfer him and he stayed asleep through the church service. Allie went and sat with Opal at church and Nathan stood in the back. After the service, Rosemary and Lee invited Elizabeth to the cafe for lunch. Elizabeth asked Nathan if he wanted to join, but he declined stating that he needed to get out for rounds. Elizabeth offered to take Allie but she was going to have lunch with Emily and her family. Nathan said goodbye to Jack who was now awake and told Elizabeth he would see her tomorrow when he dropped off Allie.

Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Lee walked to the cafe. Bill had decided to join them as well once they got to the cafe. The four had a wonderful lunch and the men had to leave to go to their respective offices, while the ladies sat and enjoyed another cup of coffee. Rosemary spoke after the men had left, "Are you ok Elizabeth? I noticed you looked like you had been crying this morning before we left for church?"

"I'm ok Rosemary. Jack is growing up faster than I would like. One of his shirts didn't fit as I was getting him ready for church. I wish Jack was here to be a father to our son, he is going to miss that as he gets older," Elizabeth kissed the top of her son's head.

Rosemary put her hand on Elizabeth's, "He would be so proud of you Elizabeth raising your son."

Elizabeth smiled with tears forming in her eyes, "I hope so."

"And who knows maybe one day, you'll find love again and that man could be a father figure for Jack."

"Rosemary!" Elizabeth said laughing. "You know I'm not even thinking about that."

"Are you sure?" Rosemary asked.

"Yes. I'm not ready. Jack was my great love. I don't know if I could have that again."

"Elizabeth, Jack wouldn't want for you to be alone. You told me he left that letter telling you to open yourself to love again. I just hope that you will be open if an opportunity comes along."

Elizabeth nodded. Rosemary wasn't sure she believed what she was saying, but Rosemary had a feeling that love could be closer than Elizabeth thought.